SRJ Sports Investments appoints new CEO
Riyadh, 23 October 2023: SRJ Sports Investments (SRJ), the emerging leader of sports investments in the MENA region, today announced the appointment of Danny Townsend as Chief Executive Officer.
Danny Townsend brings 26 years of experience in the sporting sector, with a proven track record in building successful global businesses in the sport and entertainment sector. In his new position, Townsend will use his extensive industry experience to lead SRJ’s strategic direction, playing an important role in driving the organization’s growth in the local and global sports investment sector. He joins from the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).
Bander Bin Mogren, Chairman of SRJ, said, “We are delighted to welcome Danny as the CEO at SRJ Sports Investments. His impressive achievements in the global sports industry position him as a strong leader. Danny will help drive SRJ’s ambitions to deliver long-term impact through strategic, sustainable investments. The Board of Directors are confident in Danny’s leadership and strategic vision for the organization, and we look forward to achieving great success together.”
Danny Townsend, incoming CEO at SRJ, said, “I welcome the opportunity to build on the strong foundations of SRJ, as we pursue exciting avenues to drive fan engagement, encourage greater sports participation and unlock game-changing opportunities in the region and beyond. Saudi Arabia’s sports sector is growing at pace. I’m looking forward to being part of an ambitious team focused on creating new experiences that can be enjoyed at home and away, delivering value to all stakeholders.” SRJ was launched in August 2023 by the Public Investment Fund to accelerate the growth of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. It most recently signed an investment agreement with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to acquire a minority equity stake in the PFL and launch the PFL MENA, a new regional league, to nurture the local and regional talent pool in martial arts and promote gender equality in sport.
SRJ was launched in August 2023 by the Public Investment Fund to accelerate the growth of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. It most recently signed an investment agreement with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to acquire a minority equity stake in the PFL and launch the PFL MENA, a new regional league, to nurture the local and regional talent pool in martial arts and promote gender equality in sport.
ABOUT SRJ SPORTS INVESTMENTS
SRJ (/Surge/) Sports Investments, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is a leading sports investor championed by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and National Sports Strategy. SRJ Sports Investments is delivering on Saudi Arabia’s promise to develop a world-class sports sector. SRJ Sports Investments focuses on driving sustainable investment across technology, media, programming, IP rights, and commercialization of venues – serving the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and across the MENA region.